Bridging the generation gap is the key to a happier workforce

New research released today by McDonald’s reveals the positive impact a multigenerational workforce can deliver

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ByBelfast Live

10:53, 23 AUG 2016

Updated11:43, 23 AUG 2016

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As one of the largest employers in the UK, McDonald’s brought together statisticians, researchers and its own research and insights team to understand the value to its restaurant teams and to its customers of having a workforce that spans more than seven decades.

To explore attitudes among potential future employees, McDonald’s commissioned a census of 5,000 people representing each of the five working generations.

In Northern Ireland, the study revealed that adults of all ages are united in wanting to be part of a multigenerational workforce.

Nearly 70% of respondents are keen to work with people who have different life experiences

The opportunity to work with people of different ages was a key priority for 65% of people born before 1964 compared to 56% of those born after 1980

52% of respondents born between 1965-1979 would value having an older mentor at work, compared to 38% of those in Generation Y (born between 1980-2000)

Mutually, 100% of respondents aged 71 or above and 78% of people born between 1946-1964 enjoy the opportunity to coach younger colleagues

Today, as this study is published, McDonald’s is calling for all businesses to take a multi-generational approach to recruitment.

Customer care assistant Rea Moore, 71, is just one of the McDonald’s employees benefitting from a multi-generational workforce.

She has been working at McDonald’s in Coleriane for six years, and is familiar face across the business. Working at McDonald’s has become a true family affair for Rea with her daughter, granddaughter and grandson also working in the restaurant.

Rea said: “My daughter recommended McDonald’s as a place to work for me, and I have never looked back. I’ve never been one to just sit around doing nothing all day, so this is the perfect job to keep me out and about and meet lots of new people.

"When I started McDonald’s, I was impressed at how all the staff take such pride in their work. The younger employees look up to me, and they definitely help keep me young! It’s lovely to be able to work so closely with some of my family and the rest come to visit when they can.”

Equally, the value of a multi-generational workforce is recognised by customers and makes a difference to their restaurant experience, with 40% having a better experience when they are served by a team spanning the generations.

When asked about the difference it makes, customers report a friendlier and more cohesive crew (47%) and a better atmosphere in the restaurant (44%).

Bruce Bailie, franchisee for the Coleraine restaurant, said: “Here at McDonald’s, we pride ourselves on employing a great range of people who can all offer us a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as a fresh perspective.

"Everyone from the staff members to the customers can benefit from working with people of all ages and my teams are always helping each other out. Rea is a highly valued member of the team, and is very popular with her fellow crew members and regular customers. I am thrilled to have an employee like Rea working in one of my restaurants and admire her dedication and the positive effect she has on everyone.”